How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Oral rehydration solutions are used to manage fluid loss due to diarrhea and vomiting. The solution consists of salt, water, and sugar, which replenish fluids and electrolytes that have been lost from the body. It also helps the intestines absorb water to prevent further dehydration.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How should I use this medication?

The amount of solution you should take depends on your weight. Toddlers, children, and adults should generally take 100 mL to 150 mL per kilogram of body weight (45 mL to 70 mL per pound) each day. Follow the directions provided with the product you are using. If you are also vomiting, start with small amounts of solution and increase this amount when vomiting subsides.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about doses for your infant. If you are breast-feeding your infant, continue to do so while you are giving your infant an oral rehydration solution. Discontinue feeding for 24 hours if your infant is fed cow's milk or milk formula.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor or pharmacist has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. If you make a solution from a powder, any solution that is left one hour after making it should be discarded. The solution made from powder can be stored in the refrigerator after mixing for up to 24 hours. When products bought in solution form are opened, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. For freezer pops, discard any unused solution.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Oral rehydration solutions should not be taken by anyone who:

is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication

has a blockage in the intestines or perforation (tear or hole) in the bowel

What side effects are possible with this medication?

There are no known side effects associated with this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Freezer pops: Freezer pops may change colour slightly when frozen and may temporarily colour the mouth.

Persistent diarrhea: If diarrhea does not improve within 24 hours after taking this medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Persistent vomiting: See your doctor before taking this medication if you cannot stop vomiting. Children with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever should see a doctor.

Powders: Oral rehydration powders should only be mixed with the specified amount of water to ensure that the amount of sugar and electrolyte in the solution is accurate.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,

change one of the medications to another,

change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or

leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.